Aveda Institute Dallas

I came here because a friend had recommended Aveda to me and the price is right ($ 18 for a shampoo/​cut/​style with a masters student). I have a VERY difficult time paying much for a haircut because I have short, fine hair.
My haircut was great, and the student was nice and courteous (seemed slightly nervous). I just needed a trim (took off an inch) and shape/​layers to my hair. I was happy with my cut, but I did think a little more could be done with texturizing of my hair. Here’s the deal– I am not complaining about my haircut nor did I because these are students and they are learning. They are not going to know every haircut, shape, style. I think as long as you are not wanting a crazy new fashion statement haircut then your experience here should be fine.
The 3 star review is for the following:
1. I had an appointment at 4:30 pm and confirmed the appt via text. Got confirmation they received my confirmation also an apt reminder 3 ½ hrs before appt. I got there and I wasn’t on the books. They did find someone to cut my hair, but I waited 30 minutes!!! You would think because of a mistake on their end someone would’ve rushed out to get me.
2. I was not informed of the time I needed to allow for the haircut. I got there at 4:30 pm and did not leave until ⁵⁄₁₀ minutes after 6 pm. BE SURE TO ALLOW FOR PLENTY OF TIME. There is a consultation in the beginning and hair checks along the way.
3. There was no warm water at the hair washing station. Literally ice cold. I get it things come up but I have to list the negatives of the experience.
4. I told the stylist I was in a hurry and I was running late to get to an event (because I had now been there 1 ½ hours), BUT before I was able to checkout I had to look and hear about products. I get it products drive a business etc, etc. Sometimes you need to break the rules to make the customer happy and in those case when you know they are running late and getting antsy that should have been done.
BOTTOM LINE: I will most likely come here again and give Aveda another shot because I did like my haircut and the price cannot be beat.

I just received a call from Aveda saying my appointment today would be canceled because over 20 students just didn’t show up for school today. Are you kidding me?!? Yes, the holidays are near, but the holidays are near for every university student as well– you don’t just get to not show up to your final exams at the end of the semester?! What a joke. Good riddance AI, I will never spend another dollar towards a school or students who don’t even bother to show up– definitely shows the caliber of people you’ve got.

If I could give a negative review, I would. I have seen hands on how the instructors treat their students. It seems like they aren’t respected. One of my friends told me that an instructor recently yelled at another student, telling her «to get the fuck out». I don’t know the circumstance, but I personally feel that it is very inappropriate. These students work very hard and the least the instructors could do is respect them. I don’t know, maybe its just me, but I would hate to work hard and get nothing in return. I personally would never attend the school because of all the negativity I’ve heard.

I’m updating my review to say that today I am not a fan of this place. I had an appointment that I booked in advance — it was supposed to be for tomorrow. Had someplace I was going tomorrow night and wanted my hair done for it, plus the holidays and all. Well, they just called and due to the holidays /​poor scheduling /​planning on their part, I no longer do have an appointment with them. A bunch of students are taking off and they weren’t aware until now??? Whaa?
They offered to reschedule me another «convenient» time during the week — when I am working. Since I had an event tomorrow night– next week or after doesn’t help. Nothing convenient about that. I am so annoyed– I was so looking forward to getting my hair done. Now at this last minute, it’s impossible to get an appointment anywhere else for the date I needed. Thanks a lot.
A friend of mine, (who was also once a long time fan and the person who sent me here in the first place) stopped going and had warned me their service has really dropped down. In her case, she gave them a second chance, got to her appointment to be told they didn’t schedule in enough time and she would be sent home with wet hair. Ugh, really? Her appointment was in the evening and all the students leave at 8pm. This in itself isn’t terrible and some people may not mind this, but some do! At least TELL people this in advance!
Despite hearing bad stuff, I kept my appointment. Well, now I’m pissed off too. It’s too bad because this place was once really great.
What is the deal lately? Looking at the other reviews, I see my situation isn’t just a one-​off and I’m not the only one who experienced getting cancelled on last minute. Yes, this is a school, but that shouldn’t have anything to do with having your act together vs. not scheduling properly. What is up with the students pulling constant no-​shows or whatever the issue is? It’s pretty bad when any business– school or no school– can’t be relied on.
This is the kind of nonsense I have so little tolerance for that makes me take my business elsewhere.
**I was promptly contacted the Monday after posting this Unilocal review (it pays to Unilocal and make yourself heard.) Management asked me what they can do. I have already booked another appointment elsewhere, for which I’ve had to take time off work (I had to if I wanted my hair done before the holidays.) The place I’ve booked is far more expensive, but I’m keeping that appointment because I’m just not switching it around again at this time. Management at Aveda apologized profusely, acknowledged the damage has been done and also that they are taking steps to address this issue. While I am not switching my appointment now to go back to them, I do appreciate they at least reached out to me. I will keep them in mind in the future (I’m going to be discounted /​compensated when the time comes.) I really hope they can address these issues and this can be the great place it once was!

The person assigned to cut my hair as well as the instructor discouraged me from cutting my hair and bangs in a certain way even though I’ve had this haircut done before at Great Clips (who by the way did a better job). I persisted, and they told me that it won’t look good. I felt helpless. I finally consented to «expert» advice and left highly dissatisfied. It looked even worse the next day after all that product they put in my hair washed out. I felt misled to believe my hair would look a certain way. I am very upset.

I have never been more disgusted with a business than I am today. I’ve been a loyal customer for 4 YEARS, telling my friends to come here and never truly having a bad experience until today.
I scheduled an updo today for an event that is this evening weeks ago. 45 minutes before the appointment when I’m already on the way to my appointment, I get a phone call saying they need to cancel my updo as 12 students were no shows today. They asked if I wanted to reschedule, but who the hell reschedules an updo? I asked to speak to a manager and gene told me that she couldn’t do anything but she could credit me an updo in the future.
As this is the third time I’ve had an appointment cancellation last minute on a Saturday, I told her I couldn’t chance being cancelled at the last second again and that I would never return.
I realize that Aveda is a school, but it’s also a business and when you make an appointment with a customer, you need to honor it. If half of your students are no shows every other Saturday or anytime there is a big event in Dallas (like margarita ball), then you will lose customers as no one can rely on this business model.
DO NOT come here, especially if you have an event or something you need done that day. Aveda, you have lost me as a customer and all of my friends. Through all my reviews I’ve never given lower than a 2, and I would give a 0 for my experience today.

Well let me start off by saying I had a great experience over all thanks to the student (Jeanette) that attended me the first time I went (I’ll explain) and the awesome instructor (Mike) that helped. Well I was there on Wednesday night, came in for all over color and balayage style peekaboo highlights. My student was great but I have to admit I was not so happy with the highlights. My over all color looked great but my highlights came out orange, definitely not the look I was going for. I called the following day and spoke with Sarah and explained to her my dissatisfaction with the orange. She apologized and told me they can see me that same day. I requested Mike (the awesome instructor) to be the person to oversee the correction and she said she will make sure to have him there. Well I came in that evening and Mike went over the picture that I brought (make sure to take a picture with a clear view of want you want) he looked over and made it HAPPEN! I completely LOVE my color! I have been getting non stop complements since! I will def go back and make sure that Mike is the instructor he is AWESOME!!! I love him! So to sum it up, I recommend going, take a good picture with you so they can know exactly what you will like, and ask for MIKE! Good Luck!

I believe in students helping students– which is why I chose aveda when I moved here, and continued to go.
However, I am one of the ones saying that this place used to be amazing, but with these new students and educators– it’s gone to crap. I have pretty difficult hair, but a year ago they treated my mane with excitement and wanted to learn about it. Now, they take four hours for a one and a half appointment, don’t pay attention when cutting it, and talk and complain to the students around them as I sit, bored, without cell service or anything to read, hoping they will hurry up because the color is burning my scalp because it’s been on too long.
I am returning today because it was convenient, and I scheduled a masters student. Hopefully it will renew some faith. Seems I may be asking for my color formula and taking my business elsewhere.
AFTERMATH– I cannot stand the new music. Aveda is a nature driven calm
Place. Why was it blasting club music! Please go back to the old music, and not some employee’s pandora station.

After years of going here, I think I’ve concluded it’s no longer worth it… and it seems like others are agreeing with me as it seems less and less crowded every time I’ve gone. I’ve endured 2 hour hair cuts but really the final straw was having one of the teachers attempt to fix a hair cut and do a worse job (pompadour) making unfixable mistakes… another teacher was finally summoned to fix what he could but even then, there were still a lot of fixes that needed to be made… I’ve deplored my hair for the last three weeks and was very happy to go somewhere else to fix it.

I love coming here but I see the bad reviews and I get where everyone is coming from. It can be hit and miss. You are in the hands of a student, however well supervised. Customer service varies more than haircuts and color. First, the facility is beautiful and I love Aveda products, especially the color. On color the instructor has a thorough consultation and has to approve it. I use their shampoos, soaps, skin care — everything I can afford. I’ve gotten beautiful color here every time. I get nice and sometimes beautiful cuts but only one gruesome. About the same ratio as a regular salon. At least I haven’t paid $ 90 for a bad haircut. BUT rude service I never let pass. Once the instructor was so condescending and obnoxious to both me and the stylist I called the director that weekend after I cooled off. Simple specific description of her approach and why I found it insulting. They fired her. I recommend providing feedback, but go straight to the top. I like the rush of being in a creative learning environment. You can ask for stylists close to completing their training. When I hit $ 175 for a cut and color at my old salon I just said no way, and haven’t looked back.

I’ve been going to the Aveda Institute since June, 2015. I’ve had my hair colored and cut their twice.
This last Saturday was supposed to be my third time for color. Instead, I was told 10 minutes prior to my appointment that the student I was assigned to did not show up. I was told that I could wait around for a cancellation so I did since I was already on site… for about an hour without any update. I did not know how much longer it would take or if I could even get in so I decided to approach the desk and reschedule. I was told that since they are students and not licensed that I could expect this type of behavior/​experience. My appointment was rescheduled entirely later than I hoped.
This is the second time I’ve been canceled on site or close to being on site. The staff has not been accommodating at all– I read that others have been offered a discount, not me. Don’t clients have to cancel within a certain time period without being charged? Why are customers allowed to be treated this way? Even if they are students you are running a professional services business and should train those professionals how to be the best at what they do. Maybe have backups available to fit in clients so that they are not inconvenienced. Maybe you have an «educator» do the work. It’s better than losing a client, right?
I am very disappointed in this experience, especially since it’s happened more than once. I’m also curious to know how many other people experience this and how often it’s allowed to happen.

Absolutely loved it! Had the best master student do my balayage color and cut. Very professional and high quality service for a bargain. Definitely will be back.

Been coming here for years & I always get a great cut. $ 18 for a master student. Pooja was my stylist this time & you want to book an appointment with her before she graduates in November. As a bonus, the staff also offers tea & water to the patrons. No oppressive product pushing either.

TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE — TAKE YOUR MONEY AND GO TO A REAL SALON
I am speechless or should I say I was one of Aveda’s fan. Aveda hair line and institute was
like Harvard in the hair industry till today. I have changed my mind and my world came to an end, because what happened yesterday. Yesterday, I went to the Aveda school for a P/​highlight and, I came in for my appointment and once they consulted with me they decided to just apply a toner and a conditioning hair treatment to my hair, then the educator decided to take over the service from the student, he rinsed my hair at the sink and told me to leave the salon at the school and not to come back as a client any more because he does not want me to touch my hair.
First he told me that my highlight cannot be done and was made when anther educator consider Toner and conditioning treatment .
P. S. My hair is not extremely curly my hair is just wavy and medium length (level 6). What kind of message are they trying to send and teach the students. These educators instead of teaching the student how to do the service and how the client wants their hair done is not a good example of customer service but instead of teaching the student how to treat a client they sent me home with my hair wet. He said that I was not allowed to touch my hair while it was shampooing but because I did he told me I should go home? He said the school is not prepared to service my kind of hair.
What a shame for those educators to work for a company like Aveda. I am very disappointed
and I feel sorry for all the students that have attended this institute to seek an education to get a career.

I pride myself in reviewing customer service because I myself have worked in the industry. I don’t write to write, I’ve been there, done that and there is no excuse for the kind of treatment I have received, not once but twice.
I usually go into the Northpark store but I decided to come to this location to avoid the crowding and parking. I figured it would be just as pleasant since i only go to buy my shampoo and conditioner.
Both experiences have been awful. This young lady named Quayce is the absolute definition of an unpleasant, long faced, rude, crude employee. She acts annoyed when she’s checking you out and does not even ask for a phone number to receive your points.
This last time she asked if I was paying with a card. Umm and if I wasn’t? She rudely extended her arm for me to hand her my items. I was speaking to my fiancé as he was grabbing a pen when she rudely interrupted and said, «you’re supposed to sign the receipt» obviously! that’s what he was about to do.
I hope I never have to go back there because I will no longer willingly walk into that hole.

There is nowhere else in Dallas that you can have a spa day for as cheap as here. Every time I have gone, I have been helped immediately and while students are doing the work, there are teachers and professionals on hand to help and give advice whenever possible.
I love Aveda and Aveda products and just knowing that my hair cut will come with a neck and shoulder massage is relaxing in itself.
Set aside some time for your visit because it may take a little longer than at a normal salon. This is partly because they are students and partly because of the full Aveda experience.
I can’t wait to go back!

After walking by the Aveda Institute several times during visits to Park Lane, I decided to drop in one summer day. I did not make an appointment but I requested an eyebrow wax. Within 10 minutes, I was being whisked away to the spa area of the Aveda Institute and offered something to drink. What more could a girl want?
The eyebrow wax itself was fabulous and I would definitely return based on how I was treated like royalty from the moment I walked in the door. Now I must say that I will most likely stick to spa services in the future, as I am very picky about who I let touch my hair. But for quality spa treatment on a budget, this is the place to visit.

I have been going to the Institute for 4 years. I think I have learned «the way»
Keep in mind this is a teaching school not salon. Although, it is set in an environment that reflects that which prepares students for the «real World» they will be going to. The institue is a beautiful environment to enjoy.
IF– you find a talented student find out when they are leaving and ask for a referral to another student when they leave. Someone they know with above average talent on color. I go every six weeks for color services so that is important to me…
I started blindly then when my first student was leaving she referred me to someone who would be good with color.
BRING PICTURES OF WHAT YOU WANT DONE — — — if you dont you will get their interpretation of what you think you have explained so dont be mad.
I DO NOT GET HAIRCUTS… I wear a short stacked bob with Natural curl so that takes a pro to cut it without whacking it up.
LONG STRAIGHT HAIR — — — -If you have long straight hair you should be fine for haircuts… just bring pictures.
GO EARLY IN THE DAY — — — if you can. They start booking at 11. I have the luxury of going in early b/​c I am retired. I have never had to wait being first. I am reading that there are long lines so that must be high traffic days and weekends. I think you get better services first thing in the day.
GOING IN THE EVENING — — — — -I recently went in for a 4 pm facial and by the time I finished all my services it was 7 p.m. I had a shampoo and blow out down in what they refer to «hair services». A whole different climate in the night from the daytime services. I think at night they are not as busy and the typical visiting among stylist and lack of professionalism from the students takes over. The spa services were fine I did not see a difference in students in the evening.
WATCH OTHER STUDENTS AT WORK… and if you see one you like what they are doing go by and look at their name on their station and book with them next time. I am not one to worry about it if the student who did you previously sees you the next time. It is your hair so take care of you.
PRODUCTS: students are primed to sell you products. They get their little basket when they walk your chekout and put all the things they used in your hair and I am sure they are told to do that and upsell you. Dont do it.
Ask for samples first …12 years using Aveda products I have learned go to the actual Aveda stores at the mall they are better trained in Aveda products than the students. Every student will give you a different education on product. If they dont have samples tell them you will buy at a store closer to you for returning the product if need be reasons.
Unless…you live close to the Institute.
I will get a different recommendation on what they think to use in my hair everytime I go. I now go in and say do NOT use anything BUT this and only this. They tend to overload your hair with products and then it becomes too heavy.
DO NOT BUY YOUR PRODUCTS AT THE AVEDA INSTITUTE UNLESS — — - unless you can get back over there within ten days without a problem. I have run into buying the product and not liking it afterwards then they do not want to take it back at your nearby Aveda mall store. The Aveda Institute and the mall stores are evidently not connected for sales and returns.
TIME ALLOCATION — –if you call the «call center» vs booking at the Institue when you are there ask the rep how much time they have in for what your service is. I book for a hair color plus a partial foil so I can have enough time to get all things done the way I want. They are on time schedules and will rush you through if you dont have enough time. They only give two hours for foils and that is on short hair. That is not enough time start to finish including the shampoo and blowout.
Some students it takes them almost 30 – 45 minutes to get the write up done for your service and then they have to have an educator come and sign off on it and ok it all. (I will overide the educator if they try and tell the student no this not this) I know what I want so be mindful of that.) If the educators are not in full supply then you are waiting and waiting. So another time eater.
Spa Services — — -I have always enjoyed and they are great. Go try a facial they are to die for.

I have been coming here for three years to get facials, hair cuts, hair color, and pedicures. I really like the pricing, since it’s a school its less. If you’ve never come before then you’ll have to make sure you have plenty of time because the students do a consult and then an instructor makes sure the consult was clear before the student begins the treatment.
I had a problem with the size of my highlights one time and it was fixed the very next day. They really have a great staff and front desk employees. The front desk staff all know me by name and are pleasant. I recommend this place to everyone!

When you make an appointment, make sure you give yourself plenty of time on the back end. You’ll often find yourself waiting in the lobby at least 25 – 30 minutes before your student stylist comes to find you, if not longer. Never fear, they haven’t forgotten about me outright yet. Something new today was the line at check-​out/​-​in that wrapped around the back post. I waited about 12 or so minutes before I could check in (good thing I got here 15 minutes early!) and was not taken back for my 3pm appointment until after 3:30. Also, there’s no rhyme or reason to who goes back at what time, so don’t stress yourself by questioning why someone who got there 15 minutes after you just got taken back.
After that though, you’ll be in a happy place. I’ve never had a bad experience at this Aveda Institute location outside of wait time and lack of communication about my wait time. The staff are always pleasant and easy to chat with, which is my sort of thing, the cuts are exactly to my liking, as are the blowouts. You have to most times (in my experience) ask for your complimentary massage, as the stylists often don’t offer it up. The shampoo bowl experience is always fantastic with a lovely scalp massage.
I’m a big fan of this place and will continue to return. I just have to remind myself patience is a virtue.